Frost & Sullivan Names New Edge Networks Telecom 'Company of the Year'.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 15, 2004

Frost & Sullivan, a global leader in growth consulting, named New Edge Networks its 2004 Telecommunications Service Provider Company of the Year. The award was presented Wednesday night during an awards banquet in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Weathering severe telecom and economic downturns, New Edge Networks has successfully positioned itself as a leading provider of business-class broadband services throughout the United States. Frost & Sullivan commended New Edge Networks for innovation, consistently achieving strong financial results, operating excellence and providing quality service to business and carrier customers who rely on its nationwide network for business broadband connectivity.

"With its laser-like focus and ability to execute, New Edge Networks has become -- and will continue to be -- one of the true success stories in the telecommunications market that has seen so many difficulties over the past three years," said Rod Woodward, telecom analyst with Frost & Sullivan. "Frost and Sullivan fully expects New Edge Networks' market share and mind share to increase at a higher rate than its peers based on the market opportunities, its increasing network reach, its relationship with other carriers, and its willingness to serve a market that has not been a top priority for the largest carriers."

Frost & Sullivan's Telecommunications Provider Company of the Year award is presented each year to the company that has demonstrated "unparalleled excellence" in various performance criteria. It was among 20 category awards Frost & Sullivan presented to various tech and telecom companies during Wednesday night's award banquet.

Frost & Sullivan has not provided market research or consulting services to New Edge Networks.

"We are proud of Frost & Sullivan's special recognition. Over the past four years, New Edge Networks has evolved from start-up to an innovative operating company," said Dan Moffat, president and CEO of New Edge Networks. "This award is a tribute to our employees, partners, and investors who believe in our vision and continuously push further, faster, and smarter. Our success is evidence of the growing demand for broadband access, particularly among enterprise and carrier businesses."

Frost & Sullivan cited New Edge Networks' market growth, new market penetration, innovative strategies, and improvement in customer satisfaction. Its screening process included interviews with market participants, customers, and suppliers, along with extensive secondary and technology research. A copy of Frost & Sullivan's award and selection criteria is available at www.newedgenetworks.com/_apps/2004-01-15_compendium-nen.pdf

Last June, New Edge Networks was named fastest growing private company in Oregon and Southwest Washington by the Portland Business Journal newspaper.

About New Edge Networks

New Edge Networks is a single-source national provider of secure multi-site managed data networks and dedicated Internet access for businesses and communications carriers. New Edge Networks seamlessly integrates a wide variety of last-mile broadband access services available through multiple carriers, technologies, and geographic regions worldwide. Its customers include telecom carriers, small to midsize businesses, large corporations, and their telecommuters anywhere. New Edge Networks owns a nationwide multi-services network with more than 850 carrier-class switches and Internet routers. It has one of the country's largest coverage footprints with a strong presence in small and midsize markets. The company's Web site is www.newedgenetworks.com. Telephone: [phone].